Phil Harris, 'Deadliest Catch' captain dies

[Mariner]

Discovery Channel: 'Deadliest Catch' captain dies

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Discovery Channel says the captain of the "Deadliest Catch" fishing vessel Cornelia Marie has died.

Capt. Phil Harris suffered what his family described as a massive stroke on Jan. 29 while the boat was in port at St. Paul Island, Alaska. The 53-year-old fisherman was flown to Anchorage for surgery.

A Discovery spokesman says the Harris family contacted the network Tuesday evening with word of his death.

Discovery Channel spokeswoman Elizabeth Hillman issued a statement on behalf of sons Jake and Josh Harris. It says in part, "It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our dad - Captain Phil Harris. Dad has always been a fighter and continued to be until the end."

In the network's own statement, Hillman says, "We will miss his straightforward honesty, wicked sense of humor and enormous heart."

In an e-mail she said no additional information was immediately available.

The Discovery Channel reality show depicts the crab fishing industry in the dangerous waters off Alaska. Harris' fishing vessel was based in Seattle.

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[jcollins]

Sad news indeed. He was a big part of the show.

[Cape Codder]

Very sad.
He'll be missed for sure.
If there is anything positive....this may convince others to quit the Deadliest Habit.

i don' t think I ever saw him without a cigarette.......

[chiefrcd]

He lived life on his terms....with all the good and bad.
Way too young to die and yes, he will be missed, he was a big part of that show.